Support for those who serve.
Through shared power, relationships, and a desire for community results, The Community Foundation supports and partners with nonprofit organizations contributing to what our community needs.
How We Help
We are an advocate, convener, and sounding board for local organizations.
Because of its unique role as funder, The Community Foundation often has a broad view of the needs of the community. We can use this view to advocate for the needs of community organizations with donors, other funders, other organizations, or even with local, state and federal governments.
We regularly convene organizations’ leadership for shared conversations or training opportunities. Foundation staff make time to listen to the needs of organizations in our community and can be a sounding board for challenges and opportunities that present themselves.
Community Grants
Nonprofits are invited to apply for competitive community grant funding.
Each year, The Community Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations by providing funding in the form of community grants.
Committees of volunteers review applications and make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors of The Community Foundation.
In 2023, The Community Foundation is shifting to a community grants process with one wide open door for applications instead of separate applications for our multiple grant programs. We are giving you the gift of time. We encourage you to come to The Community Foundation with a complete picture of your funding need, and staff will match your request for review by committees based on the funding priorities of those committees.
What to expect: Applicants will submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply. Letters of Intent will be reviewed by staff on a rolling basis. Following the submission of a LOI, Foundation staff will follow up to learn more and provide guidance on the next steps. If appropriate, the LOI will be approved, and a grant application will be requested. Organizations will have two weeks to complete an application after it is requested.
We understand dates are helpful! While both the LOI and Application will be accepted on a rolling basis, we need time to contact you, research, and think through your match. Below is a helpful guide.
If you desire a decision by February 2024, we would likely need your LOI by December 15, 2023 to process for review.
If you desire a decision by May 2024, we would likely need your LOI by March 15, 2024 to process for review.
If you desire a decision by August 2024, we would likely need your LOI by June 14, 2024 to process for review.
If you desire a decision by November 2024, we would likely need your LOI by September 13, 2024 to process for review.
Staff approval of letters of intent or requests for applications is not a guarantee of funding as all requests must be reviewed by appropriate grants committees and approved by the Board of Directors of The Community Foundation.
Designated Funds
Nonprofit organizations can benefit from annual distributions from a designated fund held at The Community Foundation.
Nonprofit organizations or individual donors can work with the Foundation to establish permanently endowed funds at The Community Foundation to benefit nonprofit organizations.
Designated funds support a particular organization or a set of particular organizations. They may support an organization’s general operations or a specific program, as identified by the person who established the fund. Once the fund is established, the benefiting organization can request distributions from the fund to support their work.
Nonprofit Support Network
Connecting nonprofits with the resources they need to thrive.
The Nonprofit Support Network provides nonprofits with the resources and time they need to meet their mission. The Community Foundation supports and partners with the Nonprofit Support Network to ensure resources and tools exist to strengthen the nonprofits in our community. Visit the Nonprofit Support Network to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most common questions we receive are answered below.
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Grants are generally awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations. However, there are circumstances where an organization who is not a qualified 501(c)(3) may apply. Please call 765-747-7181 or email grants@cfmdin.org and speak with program and nonprofit relations staff. The Community Foundation also cannot grant to individuals. Students may apply for scholarships; however, the actual scholarship payment is sent directly to the educational institution.
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Yes! Please call 765-747-7181 or email grants@cfmdin.org and speak with program and nonprofit relations staff. First-time applicants are required to contact the Foundation. In some cases, a meeting may be required. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals and generally does not make grants for religious purposes, for covering budget deficits, for travel, for fundraising events, for endowments or for projects normally the responsibility of a government agency.
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Our grant processes require new organizations be well established prior to applying for or receiving a grant. We must ensure the organization could financially accept and steward grant funding. Please note that funding is never guaranteed, as a volunteer committee makes recommendations to our Board of Directors, who makes the final approval of all grants. When calling as a first-time applicant, you will typically be asked the following questions. We also reserve the right to request corresponding documentation or ask additional questions as necessary.
Is your organization a 501c3 nonprofit organization or unit of government?
When was the organization established?
Do you have an established Board of Directors (usually at least five or more members)?
Do you have a financial account dedicated to the organization?
Do you have approved bylaws?
Did you file a 990 in the previous year?
Have you received any funding from earned income, donations or grants to date?
What is the mission/programming of the organization?
Does the mission/programming benefit Delaware County, Indiana residents?
What is the purpose and amount requested of your proposed grant application?
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About Spending Policy Calculation
Each year, the Board of Directors of The Community Foundation determines the spending policy, which is the rate at which distributions from all funds are calculated. Spending policy allocations for the next year are calculated in the final quarter of the previous year. Organizations benefitting from a designated fund can expect to receive notice of their allocation amount before the end of the previous calendar year.
The spending policy rate for 2024 is 4.25%. (Funds with balances below historic gift total are eligible for a spending policy rate of 1.5%)
Grant applications are submitted online.
Apply through our online grants management system.